Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the World
Initiation Ritual
The Rituals of this Order are loaned to Subordinate Droves, and cannot be
sold to, or become the property of, any individual member or Subordinate Drove
of this Order. They must be accounted for by the Exalted Director at the close
of each term and he must take a receipt for the same upon the proper card when
delivering the book to the Installing Officer, or to his successors in office.
1915
When Rituals are worn out, they must be returned to the Supreme Drove, and
new Rituals will be supplied at a cost of One Dollar ($1.00) for each copy.
The Rituals are accepted by the Officers of Subordinate Droves with the
understanding and agreement that they will be surrendered to the Supreme Drove
on demand.
In practicing the work of this Ritual, it is necessary to read carefully the
instruction, but only the written work should be oral. Members should read the
Ritual during their leisure while in the Drove and perfect themselves in the
work of the Order. Rituals under no condition should be taken from the Drove
without the consent of the Exalted Director and every Ritual must be accounted
for before the Drove is dispersed.
Use of the Gavel
One Rap calls the Drove to Order.
Two Raps calls up the Sr. and Jr. Wardens.
Three Raps calls the Drove to its feet.
Three Raps seats the Drove when standing.
Four Calls up the Officers of the Drove.
There are not less than Eight Officers in every Subordinate Drove. No Drove
can be lawfully assembled unless there be present not less than three officers
and five members thereof.
Officers' Duties
The EXALTED DIRECTOR presides over the affairs of a Drove, assembles and
disperses it. He has general supervision over all matters concerning the Drove.
The PRELATE assists the Exalted Director in the government of the Drove,
offers up prayers and invocations, conducts the funerals of deceased members
when so requested, and officiates during the initiation of candidates.
The SENIOR AND JUNIOR WARDENS have charge of the paraphernalia, arrange the
Drove for reception of candidates, collect the passwords at the assembling of
the Drove and assist in the ceremony of initiation.
The INNER GUARD is stationed at the inner door and guards the Drove from
imposition and intrusion. He receives the PERMANENT PASSWORD from persons
entering the Drove.
The OUTER GUARD is stationed at the Outer Door and examines persons entering
the ANTE-ROOM. He receives the SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD.
The RECORDER has charge of all clerical work. He shall, under the guidance of
the EXALTED DIRECTOR and the TREASURER, keep a record of all members and their
addresses. He must give strict account of all moneys received and expended and
conduct all correspondence relating to the affairs of the Drove.
The TREASURER shall receive from the Recorder all moneys collected by him and
pay warrants only when the same have been properly signed by the EXALTED
DIRECTOR and RECORDER.
OFFICERS' STATIONS
The officers' stations are indicated by the diagrams contained in the
Rituals.
Opening Ceremony
EXALTED DIRECTOR, *: Brother Inner Guard, you will inform the
Outer Guard I shall assemble … Drove, No … of the Patriotic and Protective
Order of Stags of the World. Caution him to guard it from imposition and
intrusion.
INNER GUARD: Brother Outer Guard, the Exalted Director will now
assemble … Drove, No … of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the
World.
Guard it from imposition and intrusion.
INSTRUCTION: The Inner Guard approaches the altar on the angle of
a square, and after making the sign of courtesy, addresses the Exalted Director.
INNER GUARD: Exalted Director, your command has been obeyed and
this Drove is duly guarded.
INSTRUCTION: The Inner Guard now retires on the angle of a square
and resumes his station at the Inner Door.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, examine all persons
present and report anyone not in possession of the proper words and credentials.
INSTRUCTIONS: The Wardens now examine all persons present and
receive the semi-annual and permanent passwords.
Members without the correct passwords must report at the EXALTED DIRECTOR'S
station. Members must show their DUE RECEIPTS and any person owing THREE
MONTHS'"dues shall be considered NOT IN GOOD STANDING, and must report at
the EXALTED DIRECTOR'S station. If the Wardens find ail persons present are in
possession of the correct words and credentials, they approach the altar and,
after making the sign of courtesy, address the Exalted Director.
SR. and JR. WARDENS: Exalted Director, all persons present are
qualified to remain.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: It having been ascertained that all persons
present are in possession of the proper words and credentials, by virtue of
authority vested in me by the Supreme Drove, I now declare … Drove, No … of
the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the World duly assembled for the
consideration and transaction of such matters as may legally come before it.
Brother Inner Guard, you will inform the Outer Guard.
INNER GUARD: Brother Outer Guard, the Exalted Director has
assembled … Drove, No … of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of
the World.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, arrange the altar
and place the "Golden Rule." When this has
been done: The Drove will stand while the Prelate invokes Divine
guidance.
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Supreme Director of the Universe, teach
us Humanity and inspire in us Holy and Ennobling Thoughts and Ideals. Let us
drink of the River of Life and refresh our Spirit with the waters of Thy
salvation. Look with compassion upon our transgressions and finally lead us from
this "Valley of the Shadow" to Thy Pastures of Eternal Peace. Amen!
Amen! Amen!
EXALTED DIRECTOR: What is the object of this assemblage?
MEMBERS' ANSWER: To encourage improvement of the Heart, Mind and
Hand and to inculcate, disseminate and practice the virtues of Faith, Hope and
Love.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Give the sign of Courtesy. We shall proceed with
the regular order of business.
Ceremony of Initiation
INSTRUCTIONS: The Sr. and Jr. Warden retire to thy ante-room, and
after blindfolding the candidate, propound the usual questions. If satisfactory
answers are returned, and the Recorder's report is favorable, the Exalted
Director will order the admission of the candidate.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brother Inner Guard, ascertain if there is in
waiting any person who has been regularly elected to receive the Degree of this
Order.
INNER GUARD: Exalted Director: There is—one (or there are two,
etc.).
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, arrange the Drove
for the reception of the candidate. Brother Recorder, retire to the ante-room,
collect the initiation fee and ascertain if all requirements of this Order have
been complied with.
INSTRUCTION: The Recorder approaches the altar on the angle of a
square and after making the sign of courtesy, addresses the Exalted Director.
RECORDER: Exalted Director: Your command has been obeyed and the
candidate, having complied with all requirements of this Order, is qualified to
proceed.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, retire to the
ante-room and introduce the candidate.
INSTRUCTION: The Sr. Warden, standing at the right, and the Jr. Warden at the
left of the candidate, now approach the inner door, where the Sr. Warden will
give six raps *** ***, which will be answered from within by six raps *** ***.
INNER GUARD: Who comes here?
SR. WARDEN: A stranger, who having expressed a desire to serve
God, his country and his fellowman, asks to be made a member of the Patriotic
and Protective Order of Stags of the World.
INNER GUARD: What other qualifications has he?
SR. WARDEN: A True Heart, a Sound Mind and a Willing Hand.
INNER GUARD: Since the stranger is animated by an earnest desire
to serve God, his country and his fellowman, and comes possessed of a True
Heart, a Sound Mind and a Willing Hand, I will acquaint the Exalted Director
with his request.
INSTRUCTION: The Inner Guard approaches the altar on the angle of a square
and, after making the sign of courtesy, addresses the Exalted Director.
INNER GUARD: Exalted Director, there is without a stranger, who,
animated by an earnest desire to serve God, his country and his fellowman, asks
admission to this Fraternity.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: What other qualifications has he?
INNER GUARD: A True Heart, a Sound Mind and a Willing Hand.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Since the stranger comes possessed of such
commendable virtues, you are commanded to admit him.
INSTRUCTIONS: The Inner Guard returns on the angle of a square to his station
at the inner door and, after permitting the candidate to enter, suspends a
"star" about his neck.
INNER GUARD: Stranger, I bid you enter, and may Hope's Bright Star
illumine the pathway of your life.
INSTRUCTION: The Organist will now play very softly "Star of Hope,"
while the Prelate reads from the Scriptures and the Sr. and Jr. Warden walk with
the candidate about the Drove. The Wardens should time their steps so they will
arrive at the Prelate's Station at the conclusion of the reading of the
Beatitudes.
PRELATE: Blessed are the poor in spirit; for their's is the
Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they
shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are ye that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for their's is
the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and say all
manner of evil things about you falsely, for My sake.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so
persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
INSTRUCTIONS: If the Sr. and Jr. Warden have timed their march about the
Drove, they should arrive in front of the Prelate's station as the reading of
the Beatitudes is finished.
PRELATE: Stranger, in receiving you into this Fraternity, we do so
under the firm conviction that you will become a true and faithful Brother
amongst us. Ever remember, a true "Stag" desires to serve God, his
Country and his Fellowman.
He bases his expectation of appreciation and reward on the CARDINAL PRINCIPLE
of this Order—"THE GOLDEN RULE." He views Life's varied and
perplexing problems with optimism and fortitude. He desires to toil; to improve
the faculties of his Heart, Mind and Hand; to mingle pleasure with labor; to
illumine the dark places of the world with, a wealth of brotherly love; to
dispel the shadows that fall athwart Life's pathway; to extend comfort and
assistance to the widowed, the orphaned and the afflicted; to walk uprightly and
live respected, that Life's pilgrimage may be concluded with HONOR.
I present you with this BLACK MANTLE. It is to remind you of the fleeting
tenure of life, and of the "night that cometh when no man shall labor.''
Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, conduct the stranger to the Exalted Director for
further instruction.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Stranger, if you are possessed of a True Heart,
a Sound Mind and a Willing Hand, and sincerely desire to become a member of this
Fraternity, it will be necessary for you to take upon yourself a solemn and
binding oath. Are you willing to comply with this custom of our Order?
CANDIDATE: I am.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Since you are steadfast in your desire to become
a member of this Order, I present you with this WHITE MANTLE in testimony of the
PURITY of your intentions.
May you never by word or deed bring discredit upon yourself or the Order into
which you are now about to be received.
Remember, a TRUE "STAG" is he whose soul is filled with FAITH, HOPE
and LOVE; who, realizing the fleeting tenure of Life, improves the faculties of
his HEART, MIND and HAND; who shares his joys and successes with his fellowman
and lightens the burden of Earth's pilgrimage; who, keeping his eyes fixed on
God's great truths, sheds around him a radiance of brotherly love; and finally,
when Life's shadows are falling eastward, and his trembling limbs are wearied
with long and earnest toil, trudges resolutely onward towards that inevitable
portal through which all must pass, but confident that beyond are the Pastures
of Eternal Peace.
Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, you will conduct the Stranger before the ALTAR,
where he will take upon himself the solemn and binding obligation of a
"Stag."
INSTRUCTIONS: The Sr. and Jr. Warden now conduct the Candidate before the
Altar, where he kneels or stands as he elects. The Wardens suspend the crossed
flags above the Candidate, while the Organist plays "America," at the
conclusion of which, the Prelate administers the OBLIGATION.
PRELATE: Stranger, if, after due reflection, you are still willing
to proceed and henceforth bind yourself to this Fraternity, you will repeat
after me, using your own name where I use my own.
Oath
I, …, of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God and
these duly assembled members of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of
the World, do hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear,
that I will forever conceal, and never unlawfully reveal, by written or spoken
word, sign, diagram, or objective representation, any part, or parts, of the
secrets, mysteries, or ceremonies of this Order, nor will I, under any
circumstance, condition, or temptation, permit another to do so, if in my power
to prevent it.
I further promise and swear that I will not violate the chastity of the
Mother, Wife, Widow, Sister or Daughter of any member of this Order and that I
will ever defend their virtue and good name even at the sacrifice of my life.
I will admonish with love and candor an erring Brother and over his faults
and imperfections throw a mantle of Charity.
If I cannot speak words of commendation and praise of this Institution or of
its members, my tongue shall be still.
Should I, unbiased by prejudices and personal animosities, deem a member of
this Fraternity guilty of conduct which is a reproach to him and a detriment to
this Order, I will lay the facts before the EXALTED DIRECTOR and his subordinate
officers, who, at their discretion, may prefer charges and proceed according to
the rules of the Order.
I will not wittingly cheat or defraud a member of this Order, nor will I
suffer another to do so if I can prevent it.
Neither will I knowingly patronize, or support any individual, firm or
institution, designedly unfair to this Order or to its members.
I will observe the laws of the country in which I live, and obey, without
hesitation or question, the edicts and mandates of the Supreme Drove of the
Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the World.
I will exert my utmost power and influence to promote and maintain peace,
harmony and tranquility in this Fraternity, nor will I ever be guilty of taking
any of this Order's business or disputes into the courts of the country, but
pledge myself to seek all relief and justice through the SUPREME OFFICERS of the
Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the World. Should I ever presume to
violate this part of my solemn and binding Oath, I shall be guilty of high
TREASON against the Sovereign Authority of this Order, and shall thereby be
automatically expelled forever from membership.
I will always endeavor to observe and practice the "GOLDEN RULE,"
to improve the faculties of my Heart, Mind and Hand, that I may thereby be of
greater service to God, my Country and to my Fellowman. I will endeavor to so
regulate my life and assist in the promulgation of the high and noble principles
of this Order that all worthy men, who are not now members, may desire to become
associated with this Fraternity.
I further promise and swear that I will not become a member of, recognize, or
countenance, any Order, or Organization using the name of "Stags,"
unless it be authorized by, and working under a charter granted to it, by the
Supreme Drove of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the "World.
Should any other Organization presume to use the word "Stags," I will
exert my best and constant efforts to effect their complete destruction.
I will be ever on the alert to guard myself and this Organization from Frauds
and Impostors, nor will I recognize any person claiming himself to be a member
of this Order until by due trial and strict examination, I shall have found him
to be a just and lawful member.
I further promise that should I, for any reason, sever my connection with, or
be expelled from this Order, I will not wear its emblems, nor in any manner
represent myself to be a member. Neither will I use the word "STAGS,"
the STAG'S HEAD, or the letters "P. P. O. S.," in connection with any
saloon, business, firm or individual engaged in the manufacture or sale of
alcoholic beverages.
To each and every part of this Obligation, I forever bind myself during the
remainder of my mortal life, without hesitation, mental reservation or secret
evasion in me whatever, and should I wittingly or knowingly violate this or any
part of this, my solemn and binding Oath, may the Supreme Director of the
Universe destroy me and forever remove my contaminating presence from amongst
manly men.
So help me God, and may He keep me in due performance of the
same. Amen! Amen! Amen!
INSTRUCTION: Unless the Candidate objects because of religious reasons, he
will kiss the Holy Bible. When "Amen" has been said, the Wardens,
remove the blindfold, return the Flags to the holders, and take up their STAFFS.
At the words, "Arise, my Brother," the Wardens assist the
Candidate to his feet, where he remains standing before the ALTAR.
PRELATE: Arise, my Brother, receive this chalice and say after me:
"In testimony of the sincerity of my desire to serve God, my Country and my
Fellowman. I drink from this cup of Brotherly Love."
I now divide with you this broken bread in token of your admission to this
Fraternity, and to remind you to be ever ready to share your sustenance with a
worthy Brother.
I clothe you with this mantle of SCARLET, in testimony of your profession of
love for God, your Country and your Fellowman.
The EQUILATERAL TRIANGLE which I now deposit on the Altar, is to remind you
that as this evenly formed and symmetrical figure is composed of three sides and
three angles, so should every well ordered life be bounded by a proper exercise
of the THREE great virtues: FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. The smaller triangle is to
remind you of the importance of Spiritual, Mental and Physical Development. The
HEART represents the Spirit; the MIND, the boundless realm of thought and
intellect; the HAND, the physical capabilities of man. By a proper cultivation
and exercise of these VIRTUES and FACULTIES, you will be the better fitted to
serve GOD, your COUNTRY and your FELLOWMAN.
You will bow your head and repeat after me: Almighty Father, Supreme Director
of the Universe,
"Teach me to feel another's Woe,
To Hide the fault I see,
That Mercy I to others show,
That Marcy show to me.''
Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, conduct our Brother to the Exalted Director for
further instruction.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brother, life at most is but a short span, a
fleeting day between two eternities, and the most plausible explanation that we
can give for this ceaseless play of phenomena is that our existence here is but
a preparation for a sweeter and purer life beyond the grave.
Why not be good? Clean of Heart as well as of body. Few things in this life
worthy of possession or of attainment come unsought. If at times we fail in our
noble purposes and ambitions, we should not become discouraged and cease our
endeavors. If, with a firm resolution to live rightly, we abandon the error of
our way, and again take up the duties of life with renewed energy and sincerity
of purpose, men will give us a helping hand; they will not judge us by what we
have been, but by what we ARE.
How sweet it would be "mid earth's gathering gloom" to appear
before the Supreme Director of the Universe, to hear from His generous lips the
joyful commendation, "Thou hast fought a good fight; enter thou into the
joys of thy Lord."
INSTRUCTION: When the Exalted Director begins the quotation, "Thou hast
fought a good fight," etc., the Sr. and Jr. Warden step to each end of the
Catafalque, light the flambeaus, and extinguish all other lights. At the word,
"BEHOLD," they suddenly, but quietly, remove the drapery which covers
the skeleton, and continue standing.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: "BEHOLD this ruin! 'Twas a skull
Once of etheral spirit full,
This narrow cell was Life's retreat,
This space was Thought's mysterious seat,
What beauteous visions filled this spot,
What dreams of pleasure long forgot,
Nor hope, nor joy, nor love, nor fear,
Have left one trace of record here.
Beneath this moldering canopy
Once shown the bright and busy eye,
But start not at the dismal void—
If social love that eye employed,
If with no lawless fire it gleamed,
But through the dews of kindness beamed,
That eye shall be forever bright
When stars and sun are sunk in night.
Within this hollow cavern hung
The ready, swift, and tuneful tongue;
If falsehood's honey it disdained,
And when it could not praise was chained;
If bold in Virtue's cause it spoke,
Yet gentle concord never broke—
This silent tongue shall plead for thee
When Time unveils Eternity!
Say, did these fingers delve the mine!
Or with the envied rubies shine I
To hew the rock or wear a gem
Can little now avail to them.
But if the page of Truth they sought
Or comfort to the mourner brought,
These hands a richer meed shall claim
Than all that wait on Wealth and Fame.
Avails it whether bare or shod
These feet the paths of duty trod?
If from the bowers of Ease they fled,
To seek Affliction's humble shed;
If Grandeur's guilty bribe they spurned,
And home to Virtue's cot returned—
These feet with angel wings shall vie,
And tread the palace of the sky!"
Brother, before you lies mute evidence of the awful and inevitable end that
awaits every living creature. Prince and pauper alike must hearken to the final
summons and appear before the judgment bar of God.
INSTRUCTION: As the Exalted Director finishes the words, "judgment bar
of God," the Prelate will strike the Gong THREE times, after which the
Exalted Director will continue addressing the Candidate.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Hark! The iron tongue of Time bids you heed the
fleeting moments. Ere it shall have tolled another hour, Death may have marked
you for the tomb and you who now stand in all the pride and vigor of manhood may
become, in one brief instant, but a mass of crumbling clay.
Let the spectacle upon which you gaze incite you to
"So live that when thy summons comes to join the innumerable caravan,
Which moves to that mysterious realm,
Where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of Death,
Thou go not like a quarry slave at night, scourged to his dungeon,
But soothed and sustained by an unfaltering trust,
Approach thy grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and
lies down to pleasant dreams."
INSTRUCTION: At the conclusion of the words, "lies down to pleasant
dreams," the Exalted Director extends his right hand across the catafalque
and grasping the candidate's right hand, addresses him.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: With FAITH, HOPE and LOVE, I greet you, my
Brother, and may you share with this Fraternity, the labors of your HEART, MIND
and HAND. The Drove will be at ease while we bid our Brother a cordial welcome.
INSTRUCTION: When the Exalted Director has said, "Bid our Brother a
cordial welcome," the Wardens turn on the lights, extinguish the flambeaus
and face the Candidate to the Drove while all members rise and repeat the
following salutation: "Hello Stag! Hello Stag! Hello Stag!" after
which they quietly form lines and shake hands with the Candidates as they file
past.
RECESS.
EXALTED DIRECTOR, *: Brother you will give attention to the
reading of the Lecture.
INSTRUCTION: The Exalted Director or some one selected by him, will deliver
the lecture on the STAG. A chair is placed as indicated by the asterisk (*) and
the candidate seated.
Lecture on the Stag
The Red Deer or Stag (Cervus Elaphus), the largest of the British deer, is a
native of the temperate regions of Europe and North Asia, inhabiting the dense
forests, or frequenting moors and barren hillsides as in Scotland, and is the
animal from which this Order derives its name.
This noble creature is fleet of foot, agile and graceful in movement, and
majestic in bearing. It defends the young and helpless of the Drove against
their enemies and when wounded or attacked will fight to the death.
In England, where in feudal times it was protected by forest laws, which set
greater value on the life of a stag than on that of a man, it was formerly
abundant in all royal forests.
It is now almost extinct in that country, as well as in Ireland, in the wild
state. In Scotland, considerable Droves are to be found in the Highlands, and in
several of the Western Isles, although, owing, probably, to the diminished
extent of their feeding grounds and to the "breeding in" which takes
place, and to the anxiety of the deer stalkers to secure the finest heads, the
species is perishing. Some very fine specimens are to be found in
Sutherlandshire, but these are inferior in size to those still obtained in the
East of Europe. The antlers of the Stag are rounded and bear three
"tines" or branches, and a crown consisting of three or more points.
The points increase in number with the age of the creature, and when 12 are
present, it is known as a ROYAL STAG. This number, however, is sometimes
exceeded, as in the case of a pair of antlers, weighing 74 lbs., from a stag
killed in Transylvania, which had 45 points. The antlers during the second year,
consist of a simple unbranched stem, to which a "tine" or branch is
added in each succeeding year until the normal development is attained, after
which this growth is somewhat irregular.
The Red Deer is gregarious, the females and calves herding together, apart
from the males, except at rutting season, which begins about the end of
September, and lasts three weeks. During this time the males go in search of the
females, and are exceedingly fierce and dangerous. The Stag is remarkably shy
and wary, and when full grown stands about four feet high at the
shoulders." —E. B.
From the habits of the Stag, you should draw moral precepts which can be
practiced with honor to yourself and benefit to humanity.
Henceforth go with the swiftness of a Stag to the relief of a worthy
distressed brother, or of his family; fight to the death in defense of the
chastity of Womanhood; defend this Order and its members from all enemies; as
each succeeding year adds a tine to the antlers of the Stag, so may they add
virtues to your life, and as the Hart "pants for the waterbrook," so
may you thirst for that which is good and noble.
INSTRUCTION: When the lecture on the STAG has been concluded, the Exalted
Director will order the Sr. and Jr. Wardens to instruct the Candidate in the
unwritten work. The Wardens take the positions on the floor.
1. EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, exemplify the
secret work of this Order.
2. SR. WARDEN: Are you …?
3. JR. WARDEN: I am a ….
4. SR. WARDEN: Do you observe …?
5. JR. WARDEN: I do ….
6. SR. WARDEN: Give me the grip of a Stag.
7. JR. WARDEN gives grip.
8. SR. WARDEN: Give me the words accompanying it.
9. JR. WARDEN gives the words.
10. SR. WARDEN: Give
me the sign of Courtesy.
11. JR. WARDEN gives the sign.
12. SR. WARDEN: When
and where is this sign used?
13. JR. WARDEN: The sign of Courtesy is given before the Altar
when entering or retiring from the Drove.
14. SR. WARDEN: Give me the "Grand Honors," or sign used
in saluting Officers of a Grand Drove.
15. JR. WARDEN gives sign.
16. SR. WARDEN: Give me the "Supreme Honors," or the
sign used in saluting Supreme Officers.
17. JR. WARDEN gives the sign.
18. SR. WARDEN: Give me the word of Distress.
19. JR. WARDEN: …, repeated three times.
20. SR. WARDEN: Give me the sign of Distress.
21. JR. WARDEN gives sign of Distress.
22. SR. WARDEN: Give me the WARNING sign and explain its use.
23. JR. WARDEN, gives the sign: This sign is given when some
danger seems threatening a brother.
24. SR. WARDEN: Give me the PERMANENT password.
25. JR. WARDEN gives the word.
26. SR. WARDEN: Where is this word given?
27. JR. WARDEN: It is given at the inner door.
28. SR. WARDEN: Give me the SEMI-ANNUAL pass word for the present
term.
29. JR. WARDEN gives the word.
30. SR. WARDEN: Where and when is this word given?
31. JR. WARDEN: On entering the outside door, a member is required
to show his receipt card and give the Semi-Annual password to the Outer Guard.
He then enters the ante-room where he will give six raps on the inner door, the
Inner Guard will raise the wicket and inquire his name, the number of his drove,
and receive the Permanent password. If the Inner Guard is convinced that the
person seeking admission is a Stag, in "good standing" he will be
permitted to enter the Drove. He will then approach the altar on the angle of a
square and give the sign of Courtesy. When the Exalted Director has recognized
the salutation by a wave of the hand, he will be seated. If the Exalted Director
is busy, this salutation may be given to the Prelate.
32. SR. WARDEN: What is the MOTTO of this Order?
33. JR. WARDEN: The Motto is FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.
We are taught to have FAITH in the mercy and goodness of God, in the
principles of this Order and in the fidelity of the Brotherhood.
Hope's Bright Star should illumine the pathway of our earthly pilgrimage, and
inspire in us a joyous anticipation of the better life to come.
We are reminded to LOVE God, our Country and our Fellowman, especially the
members of this Fraternity.
34. SR. WARDEN: What are the COLORS of this Order?
35. JR. WARDEN: The colors of this Order are THREE in number and
are represented by the points of the triangle.
BLACK symbolizes the fleeting tenure of life; the "night that cometh
when no man shall labor."
WHITE symbolizes Purity and should remind us of the importance of Moral
Rectitude in thought and action.
RED symbolizes Love and should remind us of our duty to God, our Country, and
to our fellowman, especially to the members of this Fraternity.
36. SR. WARDEN: Exemplify the rule test and explain the reason for
its use.
37. JR. WARDEN, places the rule and gives the explanation: Should
a member of this Order visit a Drove of which he is not a member, the Exalted
Director, may request the visiting brother to place the "Golden Rule."
This test will serve to further prove that the visitor is a member of this
Order.
38. SR. WARDEN: How should a member of this Order sign a letter
when addressing a Brother?
39. JR. WARDEN: Yours in F. H. & L. or, Fraternally yours in
F. H. & L.
40. SR. WARDEN: What is the meaning of these initials?
41. JR. WARDEN: They refer to the motto of this Order, which is
FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.
INSTRUCTIONS: The candidate remains seated, while the Sr. and Jr. Warden
return to their regular stations. The Exalted Director then addresses the
candidate.
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brother, you will now take your seat among the
brethren, and may your association with us prove a pleasure to yourself and an
honor to this Fraternity.
Dispersing
EXALTED DIRECTOR: If there are no further matters for our present
consideration, I shall disperse this Drove until our next stated or intervening
Assembly. Gives three raps. The Drove will
stand while the Prelate invokes the blessing of the Supreme Director of the
Universe.
PRELATE: Almighty Father, Supreme Director of the Universe, make
us pure in Heart and teach us mercy. Comfort them that mourn and upon whom the
hand of affliction and sorrow has fallen. Let us remember that in the Darkest
Hour Thou art ever with us. Strengthen our Faith and let us feel and realize
that heaven and earth may pass away, but Thy great love endureth forever. Amen!
Amen! Amen!
EXALTED DIRECTOR: Brothers Sr. and Jr. Warden, disarrange the
altar, and collect the Rituals and Jewels. When this
has been done: We are about to disperse this Drove and mingle again
with the outer world. Let us not forget the Noble Tenets of this Order.
"Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye
even so to them; for this is the law." Give the sign of Courtesy.
Brother Inner Guard, you will inform the Outer Guard I have dispersed …
Drove No … of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the World.
INNER GUARD: Brother Outer Guard, the Exalted Director has
dispersed … Drove No … of the Patriotic and Protective Order of Stags of the
World.